Cecilia Vullo

Autologous Platelet Gel to Treat Chronic Decubital Ulcers: A Randomized, Blind Controlled Clinical Trial in Dogs

OBJECTIVE To determine the efficacy of topical application of the autologous platelet gel (PG) in canine chronic protracted decubital ulcers. STUDY DESIGN Prospective, randomized, blind controlled clinical trial. ANIMALS Dogs (n = 18) with bilateral chronic wounds caused by protracted decubitus ulcers. METHODS For each dog, wound side was randomized to receive either platelet gel (group PG) every 5 days for 5 dressing changes, or paraffin gauzes dressings (group C), as negative control. Wound healing and wound surfaces were compared at admission and then evaluated every 5th day, until day 25. Outcome variables were: open wound area, reduction of open wound surface compared to admission and to each preceding dressing change, time to complete epithelialization. RESULTS Significant differences in healing process were observed at day 5 and continued throughout the entire study period (P < .00001). At 25 days, mean percent reduction in wound area was 93.5% in group PG and 13.2% in group C (P < .00001). CONCLUSIONS Appropriately prepared autologous PG, an inexpensive, readily available blood derivative, applied topically results in more rapid healing of chronic non-healing decubital ulcers in dogs than those treated by use of paraffin-impregnated gauzes.

Evaluation of the muscular relaxant effect of dexmedetomidine or medetomidine in cats

Evaluation of the muscular relaxant effect of dexmedetomidine or medetomidine in cats P. Scrollavezza & A. M. Tambella & C. Vullo & A. Palumbo Piccionello Published online: 8 July 2009 # Springer Science + Business Media B.V. 2009

Myositis ossificans circumscripta of the triceps muscle in a Rottweiler dog

A 20-month-old male Rottweiler dog was presented with the complaint of chronic right forelimb lameness that was unresponsive to conservative treatment. Physical examination allowed for the topographical identification of the source of the problem as a firm enlargement of the soft tissues that was partially movable from humeral bone and compatible with an alteration of the triceps brachii muscle. Radiographic images showed signs that were highly suggestive of myositis ossificans. Computed tomography allowed for a more accurate characterization of the lesion, to exclude involvement of the elbow joint and humeral bone, and to localize anatomically the lesion in the caput accessorium and longum of the triceps brachii muscle. Surgical excision of the ossified portion of the triceps muscle was performed. Histological examination of the excised tissue substantiated the diagnosis of myositis ossificans. A one year clinical and radiographic follow-up examination showed a complete recovery, with no evidence of complications or recurrence. Despite myositis ossificans in dogs having previously been identified in the hindlimbs, this case of myositis ossificans circumscripta of the triceps muscle suggests that it may also occur in the muscles of the forelimb.

Expression of Prostate Glycoconjugates in the Stallion and Castrated Horse

This work was undertaken to determine the glycoconjugates secreted by the epithelium of the prostate in the intact stallion and castrated horse using lectin histochemical procedures in conjunction with enzymatic digestion and deglycosylation treatments. Additionally, anti-5 and 13-16-cytokeratin antibodies were used to localize epithelial basal cells. In the stallion, lectin histochemistry showed the following sugar residues in the Golgi zone of the glandular cells: α-Glu/Man, α-Fuc and β-Gal included in both O- and N-linked oligosaccharides as well as β-GalNAc, GlcNAc and α-Gal, which belonged to O-glycoproteins. β-Gal and β-GalNAc moieties were also noted subterminal to sialyl residues. Sialic acid specific lectins identified Neu-5Ac(α2,3-6)-β-Gal or Neu5Ac(α2,6)-β-GalNAc sequences in both N- and O-bound glycoproteins. The prostatic glandular cells of the castrated horse expressed some of the same sugar moieties found in the stallions, such as α-Glu/Man, α-Gal and GlcNAc, but significant differences were also noted. In particular, β-D-GalNAc was only detected subterminal to sialic acid, β-D-Gal-(1-3)-D-GalNAc was found in N-linked glycans, whereas β-D-Gal-(1-4)-D-GlcNAc and Neu5Acα2,6Gal/GalNAc were noted only in O-glycoproteins. These results indicate that the lectin binding patterns in glandular cells may be modified by sex hormones. No specific lectin labelling of basal cells was found in either the stallion or the castrated horse even though they were immunostained with specific anti-cytokeratin antibodies. These cells stained more strongly in the castrated horse than in the intact stallion suggesting that they are androgen responsive. The glycomolecules detected in the equine prostate secretions may contribute to the remodelling of the sperm surface, which occurs during sperm transit through the male genital tract and also after ejaculation in the seminal plasma. These changes may be important in the understanding of the stallion fertility.

Diagnosis of XX/XY Blood Cell Chimerism at a Low Percentage in Horses

&NA; Disorders of sexual development (DSDs) are common in horses and cause economic loss in horse breeding. Thus, it is important to develop methods for unambiguous and fast identification of affected horses shortly after birth, as well as those that may propagate the condition to the next generation. Genetic causes of DSDs are multivarious and still little known, and thus development of diagnostic tests requires accumulating knowledge about individual cases and their etiologies. In particular, it is necessary to perform clinical, ultrasound, surgical, histological, cytogenetic, and genetic analyses with close attention in all the affected individuals. This report describes the case of a XX/XY chimeric horse with reproductive apparatus abnormalities and a very low percentage of XY cell in blood highlighting that to avoid undiagnosed case of cell chimeras, above all when studying DSD cases, it is essential to perform both genetic and cytogenetic analyses possibly on more than one tissue. HighlightsDisorders of sexual development (DSDs) are still a main cause of economic loss in horse breeding.Genetic and cytogenetic analyses on various tissues are essential in horse DSDs.DNA profiling on blood alone is not enough to detect all cases of cell chimerism.

New insights on a NGF-mediated pathway to induce ovulation in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Abstract To investigate the ovulatory mechanisms triggered by raw semen (RS) in rabbits, we examined the expression of nerve growth factor (NGF)—a supposed ovulation-inducing factor (OIF)—and cognate receptors in anterior pituitary, ovary, and cervix as well as plasma NGF and luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations. Six does/group were sham-inseminated with sterile saline (PBS), naturally mated (NM), inseminated with RS alone or after lumbar anesthesia (ARS), or treatment with COX inhibitors (CIRS). Immunohistochemistry revealed positive signals for NGF and receptors in all tissues. RT-PCR confirmed the presence of the target transcripts in the same tissues, except NTRK1 in the cervix. Circulating NGF concentrations rose 3- to 6-fold (P < 0.01) 15 min after semen deposition into the genital tract of NM, RS, and ARS rabbits and remained sustained thereafter. Circulating NGF was 4-fold lower (P < 0.01) in CIRS than in RS does indicating that NGF is mainly synthesized by the uterus. A concomitant rise of LH and NGF concentrations was found in 83.3%, 50.0%, and 16.7% of NM, RS, and CIRS does, respectively, but not in ARS (despite high NGF circulating levels). Seminal plasma NGF concentration was 151.9 ± 9.25 µg/mL. The ovulatory responses were 0%, 83.3%, 66.7%, 16.7%, and 0% in PBS, NM, RS, ARS, and CIRS groups, respectively. Present data confirm that, although RS may induce ovulation via endocrine mechanisms through binding to NGF receptors in the ovary, a novel OIF-mediated neural mechanism facilitates ovulation in rabbits. Summary Sentence Raw semen induces ovulation in rabbits via an endocrine- and a nervous-mediated pathway by which NGF, mainly synthesized in the uterus, acts on the ovary and on uterine/cervix afferent neurons projecting LH surge hypothalamic centers, respectively.

Loss of alpha-smooth muscle actin expression associated with chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction in a young Miniature Bull Terrier

BackgroundChronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO) is a rare clinical syndrome in veterinary medicine characterized by severe intestinal dysmotility without evidence of mechanical occlusion of the intestinal lumen. The exact pathogenesis of CIPO is unknown.Case presentationA 1-year-old male Miniature Bull Terrier dog was presented with a history of chronic weight loss, regurgitation, lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea. The dog was submitted for exploratory laparotomy. A full thickness intestinal biopsy was taken and a CIPO was suspected. The clinical condition deteriorated and the dog was euthanized. At gross examination the small intestine was severely dilated. Histologically severe fibrosis of the submucosa and severe atrophy of the tunica muscularis were present in small intestine and colon. Immunohistochemical examination with a panel of antibodies for gastro-intestinal neuromuscular disease-associated antigens revealed a severely reduced expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin in the tunica muscularis.ConclusionsThis case report describes the gross, histological and immunohistochemical findings of CIPO affecting a 1-year-old Miniature Bull Terrier; on the basis of these findings a myopathic form of CIPO is hypothesized in this case.

Immunolocalization of NOS isoforms in the ductuli efferentes and epididymis of prepubertal and adult alpaca (Lama pacos)

The present research used immunohistochemistry to analyse the detection and localisation of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms in the ductuli efferentes and epididymis of prepubertal and adult alpaca. In the ductuli efferentes and epididymis of prepubertal and adult animals, nNOS and eNOS were similarly expressed in epithelial lining cells, conversely differences were observed in the immunopresence of iNOS. Our data provide evidence that NOS isoforms may have roles in reproductive functions and in the developmental processes of the excurrent duct system in the alpaca.

Use of Nanohydroxyapatite in Regenerative Therapy in Dogs Affected by Periodontopathy: Preliminary Results

Background: The present study aims to analyse the in vivo behaviour of nanohydroxyapatite and to assess its regenerative capacity in dogs affected by periodontal disease. Methods and findings: The dogs employed in the study were randomly subdivided into a control group and an experimental group. After clinical, instrumental and radiological examinations, all the subjects underwent dental prophylaxis and a bioptic sample was taken. A histopathological examination of the periodontal tissues, in correspondence to teeth with periodontopathy ranging between stages 2 and 3, followed. Regenerative therapy with applications of nanohydroxyapatite was administered only to the dogs of the experimental group. After a period of between 35 and 40 days, a further clinical, instrumental and radiological examination was carried out and a bioptic sample taken solely on the dogs whose histological examinations showed changes ascribable to periodontal disease. The results of the histopathological examination demonstrated that only the dogs in the experimental group, who underwent dental prophylaxis together with the administration of nanohydroxyapatite, showed clear signs of improvement with respect to their initial condition. Conclusions: In conclusion the study demonstrated that the nanohydroxyapatite represents a valid osteoconductive and osteoinductive graft product and confirmed its regenerative potential in periodontal therapy in dogs.

Use of Wallace Distractor in Canine Stifle Arthroscopy

Objectives: To assess the value of the intra-articular Wallace distractor in stifle arthroscopy in the dog. Methods-Ex-vivo study: ten cadaver limbs of dogs were used to explore the stifle joints by arthroscopy each once without and once with the aid of a Wallace distractor. Radiographs and observational data were used to assess the degree of joint distraction and to evaluate any collateral intra-articular damages. In vivo study: distractor-assisted arthroscopy was thereafter performed in 12 consecutive clinical cases of dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture. The use of the Wallace distractor, clinical setting, time to complete joint evaluation were recorded. Results: In the cadaver study, radiographic findings showed a significant increase of the joint space after the insertion of the distractor. Visual range during arthroscopy employing the Wallace distractor increased substantially and facilitated the assessment of all visible intra-articular structures. Mean time to evaluate the femoropatellar space was 4,1 minutes, to observe cruciate ligaments 6,5 minutes and to complete joint inspection 10,1 minutes. In the clinical study, the use of Wallace distractor allowed improved arthroscopic observation of all relevant structures, without sub-patellar fat pad removal. Mean time to complete joint inspection was 28,5 minutes. Clinical significance: The use of the Wallace joint distractor may be helpful in the arthroscopic assessment of the canine stifle. It is easy to insert, it allows a considerable distraction of the joint making it easier visibility and reducing the possible need to remove the sub patellar fat pad. With its blunt pins Wallace joint distractor limits the risk of iatrogenic damage and can be easy to use even for surgeons who do not have much experience in knee arthroscopy.